SEX AT 13 IS ‘NORMAL GROWING UP’

Guidelines – which can be used as part of sex education lessons – say that having sexual relationships in one’s teens represents a “safe and healthy” part of growing up. The guidelines have been drawn up by a national charity and endorsed by the Department for Education to improve standards of advice given to pupils.

The so-called “traffic-light tool” lists green, amber and red behaviours that teachers and other professionals should spot among school-age children.

So-called “green behaviours” for children aged nine to 13 include “solitary masturbation” and “use of sexual language”.

Green behaviours for 13- to 17-year-olds include “having sexual or non-sexual relationships”, “sexual activity, including hugging, kissing, holding hands”, “interest in erotica/pornography”, “use of internet/ e-media to chat online” and “consenting oral and/or penetrative sex with others of the same or opposite gender who are of similar age and developmental ability”. Read more